The 8 types of intelligence that influence how successful you are

Many people feel that they just aren't smart enough to be an
entrepreneur, yet there seems to be no convincing evidence that a
high IQ is a prerequisite for this lifestyle.

We all know of successful businesses started by first-time
entrepreneurs who dropped out of school, and according to many
sources, "street smarts" (experience)
tends to trump "book smarts" (intelligence) every time.

Another perspective is that there are in fact multiple types of
intelligence, and we all have strengths and weaknesses along all
of these scales.

It does appear that most successful entrepreneurs are those with
the broadest range of interests, skills, and experiences (street
smarts), while a maximum depth in any given discipline is not so
important.

Here are basic definitions for the eight most
commonly recognized intelligences that cover the potential of
most humans, prioritized by my view of applicability to the
entrepreneurial role:

1. Word-smarts (linguistic intelligence)

People with a high linguistic intelligence display a high
facility for word usage and languages. They are typically good at
communicating ideas, reading, writing, and telling stories. Good
entrepreneurs need these skills to lead a team,
sell ideas to customers and investors, and
write business plans.

2. People-smarts (interpersonal intelligence)

These attributes are the embodiment of social skills.
Entrepreneurs with high social skills interact more effectively
with all their constituents. They are able to sense the feelings,
motivations, and temperaments of others; to enlist support;
and negotiate effectively. They love working with people.

3. Self-smarts (intra-personal intelligence)

Intra-personal intelligence is the capacity to understand your
own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, and to capitalize on
these insights in planning and strategy. Good entrepreneurs must
be able to surround themselves with advisors and partners who
complement their skills in order to find
satisfaction and happiness.

4. Number-smarts (logical-reasoning intelligence)

Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to calculate,
quantify, and think logically. Entrepreneurs use strengths in
this area to balance their passion for a specific
solution and to develop the specific steps and financial
resources required for building, rolling out, and scaling the
business to success.

5. Nature-smarts (naturalist intelligence)

This sort of environmental and cultural insight is deeply rooted
in a sensitive, ethical, and holistic understanding of the world
and its complexities. I believe that good entrepreneurs use this
to see new markets first, predict world trends, and devise
effective marketing campaigns and demographics for focus.

6. Picture-smarts (spatial intelligence)

Spatial intelligence is the ability to think in three
dimensions and the ability to visualize with the mind's eye.
Core capacities include mental imagery, spatial
reasoning and an active imagination. It's easy to see how
this is important for entrepreneurs in marketing, solution
design and product branding.

7. Body-smarts (kinesthetic intelligence)

This intelligence involves a sense of timing and the perfection
of skills through mind-body coordination. Business entrepreneurs
who are also good at invention and building innovative new
products are especially strong in this area. Strengths here also
lead to leadership presence and public-speaking prowess.

8. Music-smarts (musical intelligence)

Musical intelligence is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm,
timbre, and tone. In addition to being key to any business
directly or indirectly related to music, this skill help
entrepreneurs to be better listeners, orchestrate events, and
develop marketing programs. Music-smart people also tend to be
logical.

In addition to looking at intelligence, every aspiring
entrepreneur needs to look at mindset. The mindset that works
best is one that sees challenges as exciting rather than
threatening, setbacks as learning opportunities, and a conviction
that effort and perseverance will overcome any obstacle.

If you have that mindset and even a few strengths among the
multiple intelligences described above, don't let anyone,
including yourself, tell you that you aren't smart enough to
be an entrepreneur.